How to Become a Doctor in America

Closing a gash caused by a knife wound, diagnosing infectious diseases and treating children and families for the flu are all potential scenarios for the budding medical professional. Becoming a doctor in the United States takes time and money. Much time is spent on education---over ten years worth in some cases. The rewards are great, however; doctors have the ability to alter and even save lives and have a high earning capacity to boot.

• 1

  Attend an accredited college or university and earn a four-year degree in a pre-medical field such as biology or organic chemistry. Often, potential doctors earn a Bachelor of Science degree. No specific undergraduate program is required to become a doctor.

• 2

  Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This is a standardized test required by most of the reputable medical schools in the U.S. The top schools require strong undergraduate grades and a high score on the MCAT.

• 3

  Enroll in a medical school. Medical school typically lasts four years. During medical school, students focus in a specific area of medicine such as neurosurgery or anesthesiology.

• 4

  Complete a residency program. After medical school, doctors must spend three to eight years in a residency program with a hospital or medical facility. The residency is typically paid. Here, the doctors learn through on-the-job experience.

• 5

  Take and pass the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination to become fully licensed to practice medicine in America.